"You see this - " the commanding officer slammed the map down onto the table "- this is why we aren't gaining ground. We need a new plan."
"What if we create a diversion?"
The c.o stopped his fit of fury to turn and look at the whoever had spoken up. "Who said that?"
The crowd of men slowly dispersed to reveal an 18 year old boy standing in the far back. "I-I did, sir."
A slightly older man standing next to him nudged him hard in the shoulder, whisper-shouting "Why'd you open your mouth Zack?"
"Cuz it was the right thing to do?"
"Silence!" The chief walked towards them with a menacing look until he stood face to face with the two boys.
"Keep talking." He demanded.
The boy who had just yelled at Zack for talking was now wearing a shocked expression. He looked over at Zack who was standing there with a pretty similar look on his face.
"Don't keep me waiting!"
"Sorry. I uh, well what if half our army attacks from the front, uphill just as we've been doing. Then we take the half that's left and split them into two groups again, one going east and the other w-."
"We would be sending half our men to their graves, you know that now, don't you?"
Zack glanced over at his brother before responding. "I do sir. But if we can pull it off in the end, I think it'd be worth it."
The officer studied the boy intently for a moment before saying "What's your name son?"
"Zack Dremler, sir."
He turned to the other one. "And you?"
"Troy Dremler."
"Mmm." A faint smile appeared on his face. "Maybe you'll think next time before you silence someone from suggesting such a brilliant idea. Take tips from your brother, Dremler two."
The commander turned away from them and walked back up towards the center of the room. "Go get the sleep that you can, tomorrow we're moving out."
All the men quickly left and headed to their quarters for sleep. Zack, filled with pride, followed a steaming Troy. Once they were alone Troy roared "Dremler two?!"
Zack went into a fit of laughter. "That's right, start taking tips from me Dremler two."
Troy sunk to the ground and put his face in his hands, groaning loudly. "I hate you sometimes, you know that?"
By the time Zack's laughter died down he was on the floor sitting next to his older brother. "I know."
The next morning the two of them, along with the rest of the men, woke up before the sun was even up. After reviewing the plan one more time the commanding officer divided everyone into groups. Troy, along with Mark, Derek, Kyle, and half of the entire army was assigned to attack from uphill. Zack was told to head eastbound.
"Sir..if I may, can I change with Dremler two?" Zack asked, casting a smirk over to his wide eyed brother.
The man in charge studied the boy. "Zack, is it?"
He nodded.
"Why the hell would you give yourself a death sentence?"
"I just feel as if if I was willing to propose the idea, I should be willing to take the sacrifice too."
After a moment of thinking he said "Alright, but no switching. Go join your brother."
Zack gave him an appreciative nod and hurried over to the side with his brother.
